The Police and Fire-Rescue departments work together within our communities to provide the highest level of quality service and protection. From neighborhood watch to 9-1-1 services, our team is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Role of the City Attorney

"The City Attorney shall be the chief legal adviser of, and attorney for the City and all Departments and offices thereof in matters relating to their official powers and duties... It shall be the City Attorney's duty, either personally or by such assistants as he or she may designate, to perform all services incident to the legal department; to give advice in writing when so requested, to the Council, its Committees, the Manager, the Commissions, or Directors of any department [and] to prosecute or defend, as the case may be, all suits or cases to which the City may be a party..."

"The City Attorney shall...prosecute persons charged with or guilty of the violations of the state laws occurring within the city limits of The City of San Diego for offenses constituting misdemeanors."

Under the Charter, the City Attorney has three distinct roles:

Advisory - We provide advice to the City and each of its departments, including the City Council and Mayor.

Civil Litigation - We prosecute or defend, as the case may be, civil lawsuits in which the City is a party.

Criminal - We prosecute criminal misdemeanors and infractions committed within the City limits and in Poway.

Mission Statement

The City Attorney’s Office protects the City of San Diego through its dedication to justice and the welfare of our people. We advise the City on the law, the responsible management of public funds, and the fairness and efficiency of neighborhood services. We enforce and prosecute laws that protect our natural resources, ensure fair wages, strengthen community character, and halt unscrupulous business practices. We protect the taxpayer by defending the City from lawsuits, and we prosecute crimes that harm our quality of life and endanger our citizens, especially the most vulnerable. We live up to the highest standards of ethics, performance, and service.